In September last year, we were delighted to announced that we had been appointed as the civil engineering and construction partner for Siemens Energy on their project to construct a new Synchronous Condenser Grid Stability Facility at Eye (Yaxley) for Conrad Energy.

The facility will provide reactive capacity to the National Grid network in an ever-increasing utilisation of wind generation.

So, how have we been getting on, and what exactly is a synchronous condenser anyway? Here’s an update on our progress.

Project timeline

September 2023

• Work commenced on the site, close to the Yaxley National Grid 400KV substation.
• After the initial site set up, earthworks progressed with approximately 10,000 cubic metres of excavation and cut and fill.
• The stoned-up platform and pile mat works followed shortly after.

October 2023

• Facing terrible weather including heavy rain, snowfall and sub-zero temperatures in, the ACS team pushed on with tremendous effort and started the sub-structure foundation and lower ground floor in situ reinforced concrete (RC) works.

January 2024

• The walls of the sub-floor were poured, and the site team made exceptional progress on the rest of the RC works. A huge thank you to our suppliers at TRU MIX (part of the Tru7 Group) and Camfaud Concrete Pumps for their consistently excellent performance on the project!

March 2024

• Despite facing yet more challenging weather conditions, our project team achieved another major milestone with the erection of the Syncon building steel frame, and construction activity on the site was at full momentum.

April 2024

• The steelwork and roof were completed, marking a pivotal stage before the cladding installation began.

May 2024

• Another crucial milestone was achieved with the installation of the roof and firewall base concrete pour. Activities onsite continued as we delivered the building envelope and final fibre-reinforced concrete works.

July 2024

• Internal building works completed and handed over to SEL early to allow them to commence with the MEP installation.

August 2024

• Completion of the HV Compound, including the perimeter security fence, was achieved. By working collaboratively, ACS were able to offer areas of the HV Compound over to Siemens Energy ahead of programme which meant they could progress with the erection of the steel work structures.

Watch this space for more updates!

What is a synchronous condenser?

A synchronous condenser is a device used in electrical power systems to improve the stability and quality of the power supply. It looks like a large electric motor without a load attached to it and operates in a way that helps control the voltage on the power grid.

Here’s what it does:

Voltage control

The primary function of a synchronous condenser is to regulate the voltage in the power system. It does this by either absorbing or supplying reactive power (a type of power that doesn’t do real work but is needed to maintain the voltage levels).

Reactive power management

Reactive power is necessary to maintain the voltage levels across the power grid. A synchronous condenser can generate reactive power (if the voltage needs to be increased) or absorb it (if the voltage needs to be decreased).

Stabilising the grid

By controlling reactive power, synchronous condensers help keep the voltage stable, especially during changes in the power demand or supply, like when a large industrial load turns on or off, or when a renewable energy source like wind or solar fluctuates.

How it works

The synchronous condenser is connected to the power grid and operates like a motor spinning without doing any mechanical work. By adjusting the field current (the current in its rotor), it can change the amount of reactive power it supplies or absorbs.

If you have an energy construction project in the UK which you would like support with, please get in touch.